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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300
Icche Gaon is a quiet hill village in Kalimpong, known for Kanchenjunga views, forest trails, and cosy homestays
Altitude
1,700 meters
Region
Darjeeling
Min temp
3°C to 5°C
Max temp
20°C to 24°C
You can take a serene break from the busy schedule of city life at Icche Gaon. You can experience genuine mountain hospitality, natural charm and serenity here. This region is surrounded by the refreshing air of the mountains, wildflowers and pine forests, creating opportunities to enjoy the forest breeze, birdsong and misty mornings.
Icche Gaon is situated in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal at an average height of around 5,800 feet near the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. It is in proximity to the Sikkim border. The distance between Kalimpong and Icche Gaon is around 20 km, and between Pedong it is 12 km. It is encompassed by lush forests, the breathtaking Teesta Valley and the mountain ridges.
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 10°C – 22°C | blooming, clear and pleasant | birdwatching, rhododendron trails and nature walks. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 12°C – 20°C | light rainfall, misty and cool | quiet retreats, rain photography. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 8°C – 20°C | excellent views, dry and crisp | eco-stays, cultural sightseeing and sunrise views. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 3°C – 15°C | foggy mornings and cold | starry sky watching, peaceful village stay and bonfire nights. |
Icche Gaon remain stunning all year round with pleasant weather, peaceful forest trails and breathtaking Himalayan views. Different seasons come with some specific experiences, and you can choose your best time based on the type of experience you are looking forward to. The springs create opportunities for photography and nature walks. Autumns are ideal for stargazing and cultural visits. Winters are known for chilly mornings and peaceful retreats. Monsoons are known for green escapes; however, you must remain cautious of frequent landslides and leech-covered trails.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Pleasant (10°C – 22°C) | High | Peak Season | clear Kanchenjunga views, birdwatching and exploring flowering trails. |
| Monsoon (June-August) | Cool & rainy (12°C – 20°C) | Low | Off-Season | off-season relaxation, forest freshness and misty mornings. |
| Autumn (September-November) | Crisp & clear (8°C – 20°C) | High | Peak-season | cultural sightseeing, stargazing and scenic treks |
| Winter (December-February) | Cold (3°C – 15°C) | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | sunrise photography, solitude and cosy bonfire nights. |
Some attractions and activities of Icche Gaon are mentioned below -
Ramitey Dara Viewpoint
The iconic 14 turns of the Teesta River can be witnessed from this viewpoint. It is an ideal spot to enjoy the Himalayan scenery and breathtaking sunrise views.
Tinchuley Viewpoint
This viewpoint is situated at the top of a hill where you can enjoy the views of the surrounding valleys and the majestic Kanchenjunga range.
Damsang Fort Ruins
This is a historic Lepcha Fort built in the 17th century, which is partially covered by a lush green forest. It is an ideal spot for history enthusiasts.
Rikisum
It is a serene hilltop offering breathtaking sunrise and sunset views and creating opportunities for camping. This is a less crowded spot where you can enjoy peaceful breaks and photo shoots.
Sangchen Dorjee Monastery
This monastery ranks amongst the oldest monasteries present in the region and is situated at a distance of 12 km from Icche Gaon. It is an ideal place for some spiritual escape and cultural immersion.
Sillery Gaon
This is a tranquil hamlet situated at a distance of 8 km from Icche Gaon, where you can enjoy breathtaking sunrise views.
Rikisum Viewpoint
This is an offbeat hilltop viewpoint, situated at a distance of 7 km from Icche Gaon, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas.
Teesta Valley
It is an ideal destination to enjoy the serene beauty of the river, photography and peaceful drives. You can also try river rafting here.
By Air
The Bagdogra airport, which is situated at a distance of 95 km from Icche Gaon, is the nearest. You can take a cab from here to reach Icche Gaon via Kalimpong and Pedong, which will take you approximately 4-5 hours.
By Train
The NJP railway station, which is at a distance of 90 km, is the nearest to Icche Gaon. You can take a cab from here to reach your destination via Algarah or Kalimpong.
By Road
From Siliguri
The distance between Siliguri and Icche Gaon is around 90 km, and the road route includes Siliguri → Teesta Bazaar → Kalimpong → Algarah → Icche Gaon, which will take you around 4-5 hours to reach by road.
From Darjeeling
The distance between Darjeeling and Icche Gaon is around 80 km, and the road route includes Darjeeling → Ghoom → Lamahatta → Kalimpong → Algarah → Icche Gaon, which will take you around 4-5 hours to reach via road.
You can enjoy simple, home-cooked and wholesome meals in Icche Gaon, which are inspired by the culinary styles of the Bengali, Bhutia and the Nepali communities. The ingredients of these meals are locally grown and sourced from nearby fields or backyard gardens. Some of the dishes that you can try out here include- Momo, Thukpa, Phagshapa, Gundruk Soup, Sel Roti and Suja. You can try out the following cultural activities in Icche Gaon-
Participate in the village lifestyle
You can take part in the regular activities of the locals, such as collecting firewood, milking the cows and vegetable gardening. You can also interact with the locals, especially the elderly, to learn more about their customs.
Visiting the monasteries and the local temples
You can learn more about Tibetan Buddhism by visiting the Sangchen Dorjoo Monastery and participating in the early morning prayer session of the locals.
Storytelling and Folk Music
The elderly are very eager to share their folklore and stories of the mountains with the tourists. You can participate in such storytelling sessions with the locals in the evenings and also get a chance to enjoy folk music performed along with traditional instruments such as the damphu.
Attending the Seasonal Festivals
Different seasonal festivals, local harvest celebrations, Buddha Jayanti and Tihar are celebrated here. You can witness these festivals if you visit during the right time, which will create opportunities for you to witness beautiful decorations, preparations of traditional food and other rituals.
Icche Gaon mostly has cosy homestays with a few hotels and luxury resort options. You can connect with the local cultures and enjoy a blended experience of peace and nature in these accommodation options, which come with attached bathrooms and clean rooms. Some of the stay options also come with guided tours for enjoying birdwatching, a sunrise viewpoint, and nature walks around the village, while other stays also offer a bonfire and delicious home-cooked meals.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Woodwind Stay, Silent Valley Homestay. | ₹1000 – ₹1500/night | village view,home-cooked meals and basic rooms | budget backpackers and solo travellers. |
| Mid-Range | Eco Heritage, Kanchen View Homestay | ₹1800 – ₹2500/night | forest surroundings,attached bathrooms and clean rooms. | Couples and families |
| Premium Homestay | Birdsong Retreat, Mystic Hills | ₹2800 – ₹3500/night | warm interiors, organic meals and balcony views | nature lovers and honeymooners. |
Homestays
You will be provided with clean and comfortable rooms in the homestays of Icche Gaon. You will be offered warm hospitality and delicious organic meals by the hosts of these homestays.
Resorts
There is a resort in Icche gaon featuring independent cottages where you can find a birdwatching deck and mountain views. It is ideal for nature photographers and nature lovers.
Icche Gaon is a splendid mixture of Himalayan charm, the simplicity of the locals and nature’s embrace. You can truly reconnect with nature here and enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Mt. Kanchenjunga, homestay hospitality and serene misty mornings. A trip to Icche Gaon is truly unforgettable and soulful, where you can experience some slow-paced travel time.
Where is Icche Gaon located?
Icche Gaon is a serene hamlet of Kalimpong district in West Bengal, India.
What is the elevation of Icche Gaon?
Icche Gaon is situated at an elevation of around 1,700 meters.
What is Icche Gaon known for?
Icche Gaon is known for rich birdlife, Kanchenjunga views, peaceful homestays and forest trails.
What is the best time for a trip to Icche Gaon?
The spring and autumn seasons are the best seasons for a trip to the Icche gaon for photography and sightseeing.
Is permit required for a trip to Icche Gaon?
No, a permit is not required to explore the Icche Gaon as an Indian citizen.
Can I find resorts or hotels in Icche Gaon?
No, there are no luxury resorts or hotels in Icche Gaon, but you can find some eco-retreats and homestays here.
How can I reach Icche Gaon?
You can reach Icche Gaon from Kalimpong via Pedong.
What should I pack for an Icche Gaon trip?
You must pack some trekking shoes, warm clothes, binoculars, a raincoat and personal essentials for a trip to the Icche Gaon.